Photograph: ColomboPage

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has strengthened ties with Sri Lanka, as the two governments signed several agreements during his visit to the island.

Japan agreed to loan Sri Lanka US $330 million to help develop a new terminal at Colombo’s international airport, as well as signing agreements related to trade and agriculture.

Abe also called for Sri Lanka to “dispel concerns indicated in the resolution by the UN Human Rights Council” in an interview prior to his visit, going on to call for “further efforts” to implement recommendations from the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC).

The Japanese Prime Minister met with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa as part of a tour across South Asia, after visiting Bangladesh on Saturday.

"The president and I also reconfirmed the importance of Sri Lanka's national reconciliation after the conflict and engagement with the international community," said Abe after the meeting.

Japan continues to be Sri Lanka's largest donor of foreign aid and chose to abstain at the UN Human Rights Council in March, when a resolution calling for an investigation into war crimes in Sri Lanka was passed.

Rajapaksa stated his appreciation for Japan's support after the meeting, adding,

“It is regretted that certain external entities are refusing to acknowledge the significant progress made by Sri Lanka towards further consolidating peace and reconciliation. At a time when Sri Lanka is facing many challenges, I wish to acknowledge and express my sincere appreciation to Japan for the support, understanding, solidarity and friendship extended to Sri Lanka and its people.”

The two governments released a joint statement outlining the agreements signed, adding that,

“Acknowledging that peace and stability are the desire of all people, the two leaders reaffirmed the importance of national reconciliation for the ever-lasting peace in Sri Lanka, a multi- ethnic and multi-religious country.”

The Sri Lankan government will provide military training to army officers from different countries, the Sunday Times reported.

Sri Lanka is hiking taxes on several imported food products, described by an official as “semi-luxury food items”, reported the Sunday Times.

Northern Province Chief Minister CV Wigneswaran said the Sri Lankan government is spying on him, presenting a threat to his life, Colombo Page reported.

Two volley ball players from Tamil Nadu returned from the Asian youth volleyball championship in in Sri Lanka, after being withdrawn by the south Indian state’s Sports Development Authority.

Villagers from Valikamam North Mayiliddi have handed a petition to the Jaffna District Secretariat demanding they be resettled in their own land, which is currently being occupied by the Sri Lankan military after being designated as a High Security Zone (HSZ).

The petition, which was delivered by leaders from the by Poonthalir Women's Organisation and the National Fisheries Co-operation Movement, said,

“We have been living in the temporary camp for 24 years since being displaced from the Valikamam North Mayiliddi village during the war in 1990.”

“More than 5 years have passed since the war ended and it is worrying that we have not been resettled back in our own lands.”

Sri Lankan military intimidation has for the second time led to prayers that were going to be held for the displaced people of Valikamam North being cancelled, reports Uthayan.